Ben Monnens: A Trusted Partner for Local Businesses

With a passion for people, numbers, and community, Business Banker Benjamin Monnens in our Minnetonka branch has spent the past five years helping local businesses grow alongside Coulee Bank. What started as an unexpected career path has grown into a role focused on building strong relationships with small, family-owned businesses. As a partner to business owners, Monnens works to understand each customer’s goals and support their growth in ways that make a real difference for both the business and the community.

After graduating from college, he volunteered at the American Legion. When asked about his plan, Monnens only knew that he wanted to work with people and numbers. This comment set the course for his career in banking. A banker who happened to be at the Legion helped Monnens get a position as a Business Banking Assistant, and nine months later, he was promoted to Business Banker.

Monnens enjoys working with local businesses because of the personal relationships that come with it. He values both the direct and indirect connections he builds with customers and appreciates being seen as more than just a banker. Working primarily with small to mid-sized, family-owned businesses, Monnens works as a partner, helping manage the financial side so business owners can stay focused on what they do best. “When you work closely with local businesses, you really get to see the fruits of their labor,” he says. “It’s rewarding to watch their businesses succeed, and their families grow right along with them.”

One of Monnens’ favorite success stories is his customer, True Neighbor. What started as flipping one or two homes a year has grown into an operation that now remodels and sells up to 85 homes annually, with a goal of reaching 100 this year.

Community involvement is important to Monnens, and much of his volunteer work happens wherever there is a need. He stays active with the Minnetonka Rotary and regularly volunteers through local Catholic schools and youth sports organizations. Whether it’s helping to set up for events or lending a hand behind the scenes, Monnens is always willing to step in when support is needed. “I’m not big on the spotlight,” he says. “If there’s a need in the community and I can help, I try to be there.”

When he isn’t working or volunteering, Monnens stays active. He coaches his children’s sports teams, spends time golfing or at the gym, and enjoys cooking at home. Cooking is a favorite hobby, and he does most of the cooking for his family—so much so that if he weren’t a banker, he says he’d be a chef.

Benjamin Monnens, we’re grateful you chose Coulee Bank to build your career, and we wish you continued success in the years ahead.

Reach out to Ben Monnens at the Minnetonka branch: [email protected].